League

2018-2019 League Information

In the last year we have seen huge growth in curling in Missoula. Our league that four years ago stood at 100 members topped 200 last year. Our spring league doubled in size. And all this interest has prompted us to spend some time considering how we run the winter curling. Last year we had teams play every other week we had curling (which, due to schedule conflicts and holidays, sometimes meant three-week or even four-week breaks between games). To try and address this frustration, we developed a new plan for two, 18-team leagues. Each league will run for nine straight weeks, curling for the first eight and then having a one-week playoff of top teams.

Once the plan was in place, we asked members and heard from many of you about the idea. Here is one sample from the survey we put out:

Although not unanimous, the survey said to us we ought to try a new structure for this year. We hope to attract more teams (and grow to 36 this winter) and give people more consistency of curling.

The leagues will run from November 3 – January 26 and February 2 – March 30. You will be curling at least 8 games, on Saturday nights either at 9pm or 10:30 pm. Each session will feature a competitive and recreational league.

We won’t have to increase league dues this year, so the 8-game cost is $420 for the entire team. Most of that money goes to renting ice, although some is used to purchased equipment.

Teams can register for both sessions, although must declare a first priority. Teams wanting to play in a second session will be entered into a lottery if the 18 teams for that session do not register. Teams will not need to pay until they have been selected in the lottery. We will also be putting together a list of active substitute players for each 9-week session, so if your team is not playing, you may still get called to play.

We are also able to reduce the club dues slightly to an even $70 to cover insurance, membership in USA Curling and other fees. Members are still able to receive a $25 refund for 4 hours of documented volunteer time (be sure to get a board member’s signoff on your time. Those completing the service can get the rebate, or if you do not want the rebate it will go into a special fund to help promote curling.

If you want to look at it as what will it cost me, so assuming a 4 person team playing a minimum of 8 games, the per-person cost this year will be $175 (you can get a $25 rebate once you complete club service to reduce your cost a bit). That’s down from the $192 per-person in 2014-2015. Team registration is $420, plus each curler will also register as a member for $70. You can also register as an individual for $176, and we will assist you in finding a team. If you have someone that wants to sponsor your team, let them know that we are a 501 C (3) non-profit and that sponsor fee will be tax deductible.

League Fee: This year we are asking for $420.00 per team to cover ice time. Each member of your team must also be a Club member and that is $70 per person to cover Missoula Curling Club membership and insurance premiums.

Registration: We strongly encourage teams to register via the Missoula Curling Club website (www.missoulacurlingclub.com) and pay the fee via PayPal. However, you can fill out the above form and then print out and mail your invoice to Missoula Curling Club, P.O. Box 5523, Missoula, MT 59806.

Please email missoulacurling@gmail.com or rkeane -at- bresnan.net if you have any questions.

Where: Glacier Ice Rink outdoor Rink, Missoula County Fairgrounds

Who: Everyone is invited to participate. All skill levels/age/genders play together.

Disclaimer: Space is limited so teams will form on a first-come, first-serve basis based on when we receive the registration payment and form.

Refund Policy: Team fees are non–refundable and non-­‐transferable after October 1, 2018.